December 2019

my employee keeps missing emails

A reader writes: What’s a good response to an employee who said they “missed” an email you sent? I’ve already stressed the importance of reviewing all incoming mail and provided resources on organizing and managing your inbox. This has happened a few times now with negative business consequences (late payments) and I don’t want to […]

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update: can this dysfunctional organization be saved?

It’s “where are you now?” month at Ask a Manager, and all December I’m running updates from people who had their letters here answered in the past. Back in 2014, I printed a letter from someone who had been hired to help change a terribly dysfunctional organization — including a horribly unhappy staff, a CEO […]

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updates: the awkward breastfeeding talk, the doubled commute, and more

It’s “where are you now?” month at Ask a Manager, and all December I’m running updates from people who had their letters here answered in the past. Here are four updates from past letter-writers. 1. My husband keeps contacting my coworkers about funding his nonprofit It was really valuable to hear your advice and perspective, […]

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update: my junior employee won’t stop sharing his “expertise”

It’s “where are you now?” month at Ask a Manager, and all December I’m running updates from people who had their letters here answered in the past. Remember the letter-writer whose junior employee wouldn’t stop sharing his “expertise” with people despite not having the actual expertise to back it up? Here’s the update. Thank you […]

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is my coworker sabotaging my work?

A reader writes: I recently switched departments, and I feel a little insane. The woman who is training me for this new role has the same title I do and is my peer. She is very good at her job overall (customer support), but struggles with some basic administrative competencies such as computer literacy. She […]

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